Mexico on verge of World Cup last sixteen

Rtv online desk

| 23 Jun 2018, 00:00 | Update : 23 Jun 2018, 23:14

Mexico are on the brink of the last 16 of the World Cup after Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela struck in a 2-1 victory over South Korea on Saturday.
El Tri began the tournament with a shock 1-0 win over world champions Germany, and are now on the verge of the knockout stages after another Group F victory.
Former Arsenal forward Vela opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after South Korea defender Jang Hyun-soo handled the ball while sliding to block an Andres Guardado cross.
The South Koreans managed successive counter-attacks by targeting Tottenham striker Heung-min Son, but caused few problems for Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the first half.
Mexico has made it 2-0 with 24 minutes left on the clock after Hirving Lozano sprinted forward and found Hernandez, who skipped past defenders and scuffed the ball low past goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
It was the 50th career international goal of West Ham forward Hernandez's career, and came somewhat against the run of play as South Korea had been pressuring the Mexican defense in a bid to save their World Cup hopes.
Rafael Marquez almost gifted South Korea a route back into the game as Ki Sung-yueng stole a slack pass in front of goal, but he elected to try a backheel to Son rather than shoot as Ochoa blocked him off.
South Korea lacked quality throughout, but Son struck a world-class swerving effort from range in the 92nd minute - but it was too little, too late as Mexico held on for another win.
Source: Evening Standard
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